Dealing with the horrible rainy weather and the COVID 19 pandemic makes me want to have this chili all week long! Soups and chili and all the flavors aah! Might make one as soon as i post this!

I have used spices like a cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cloves and big cardamom to bring an Indian spicy vegetarian chili to the table so that we all can have it till we beat the flu away! Tofu along with Kidney beans is one example but feel free to use cottage cheese and any other beans that you have stored in cans. Take full advantage of your supplies stored in the pantry, i had a can of roasted tomatoes and beans so that was it. Aromatic spices and beans – match made in heaven. 
I toasted a slice of sourdough with mozzarella and fresh oregano on top of it and it was the BEST decision ever!

As long as you tofu/paneer and some beans in the pantry, play around with the flavors. I know we all have limited food in the pantry so feel free to substitute with whatever is handy and enjoy with a nice sourdough or plain regular bread!

Ingredients –

• Tofu – 2 packs
• Kidney beans (boiled) – 2 cans
• Tomatoes – 4/ or 1 one can
• Baby spinach – 1 cup
• Red Chillies – 2
• Garlic – 6 cloves
• Ginger – 1 tbsp
• Sriracha sauce – 3 tbsp
• Cumin seeds – 1 tbsp
• Cinnamon stick – 1/2 stick
• Black cardamom – 1
• Bay leaf – 1
• Cloves – 3
• Star anise – 1
• Coriander powder – 2 tbsp
• Chaat masala – 2 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tbsp
• Garam masala – 1 tbsp
• Turmeric – 1 tsp
• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
• Avocado oil – 2 tbsp
• Cilantro – handful
• Oregano leaves – handful
• Mozzarella – small bits to be put on the bread
• Sourdough/Regular bread – 2 slices

Directions –

1. Heat some avocado oil in a big pot and add cumin seeds.
2. Once the seeds start to splatter, add in bay leaf, red chillies, cinnamon stick ,star anise, cloves and black cardamom. Next saute garlic and ginger into the mix.
3. Add in the turmeric and red chilli powder and saute for a minute and then add in the crushed tofu.
4. Once it starts to come together, add in the tomatoes cut in quarters or use a can of diced tomatoes.
5. Once tomatoes soften, add in the sriracha sauce, all the masalas/powders and lemon juice and let the flavors combine for at least 7-8 minutes.
6. Add in the boiled beans and let it come to a boil.
7. Turn the heat down low and add in the spinach and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or mint, whatever is handy.
9. Slice the sourdough or any loaf in long pieces or as croutons and place the pieces in the toaster with some butter.
10. Once crisp, place any choice of cheese ( I used mozzarella) on the bread and top it with fresh oregano leaves.
11. Serve hot and enjoy!